Desk Workers Pack on the Pounds

Sitting at your desk may be putting pounds around your waist, according to a new Canadian study.

"People eat better and exercise more today than they did in the 1970s, yet obesity rates continue to rise," study researcher Carl-Étienne Juneau, of the University of Montreal, said in a statement. Changes in work habits might be the reason for the apparent contradiction, reports myhealthnewsdaily.com.

Although adults consumed fewer calories in 2004 and engaged in more physical activity during leisure hours than in the 1970s, they have become less active at work. This may help explain the continuing rise in obesity.

Effective measures to counteract inactivity during working hours include simple changes such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and getting up and walking during breaks.

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